HARTSVILLE, S.C. – July 12, 2012 – Among the many worthy initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Hartsville during Dr. John Ropp’s recently completed term as chapter president, one, in particular, will be used to uphold the club’s values in perpetuity.

Thanks to the advocacy of Hartsville architect Bobby Goodson, Pressly Coker, co-chairman for the Hannah Lide Coker Project, and others, the Rotary Foundation has presented a gift of $4,000 to officially endow a new scholarship at Coker College in honor of Hannah Lide Coker.

“When I shared Hannah Lide’s story with Club Foundation Chair Johnny Sturdivant, earlier this year, he saw the natural connection between what she believed in and the “service above self” motto that Rotary International upholds” explained Goodson. “They were eager to support the scholarship.”

During the formal gift presentation, Coker, retold the now-legendary narrative of how Hannah Lide Coker rescued her badly injured son, Major James Lide Coker, finally bringing him home from behind enemy lines on July 21, nearly 150 years ago.

Hannah Lide Coker’s story is chronicled in a book by Mrs. Coker titled “A Story of the Late War.” Major Coker went on to become a driving force in the region and was responsible for founding what ultimately became Coker College.

“Hannah epitomized not only service to others, but she also exemplified rarer virtues – faith, courage, persistence, loyalty and love – that continue to make a difference in the lives of people who call this region home today,” Coker said.

More than $20,000 has been contributed to the fund,” said Wes Daniels, Coker College Director of Campaigns. “The scholarship will be used to defray education expenses for Coker College students whose example, like Hannah Lide Coker’s, can inspire others to uphold the highest standards of character, service and leadership,” he added.

For more information about the Hannah Lide Coker Endowed Scholarship, contact Daniels at
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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.